On March 13, visits to all skilled nursing centers – The Laurels included – were restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation.
An Epidemic Order from Robert Gordon, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director, outlined updated steps and procedures for visitation at nursing homes and assisted living facilities beginning October 26. Facilities must meet criteria specified in the order, including having had no new COVID-19 cases within the previous 14 days, in order to host indoor and/or outdoor visitation.
After a self-assessment by our clinical and operational teams, we have concluded we are unable to accommodate visits at this time.
Please know there is a possibility our visitation status will change! All nursing homes and assisted living facilities will be required to constantly assess and reassess visitation status. Our eligibility for hosting outdoor visits will be determined based on our ability to meet the standards outlined by MDHHS. We will review our status weekly and communicate changes on this site accordingly.
The Laurels is committed to effective communication during this unprecedented time in our history. We regularly apprise guests, families, and associates to changes in facility status and policy as needed and as deemed appropriate. This COVID-19 Resources page is an extension of these efforts and also serves as a means to update the communities we serve.
We have been humbled by the support we’ve received from the local community and we truly appreciate everyone’s continued cooperation and understanding.
Here you will find the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and how it will impact long term care. We are committed to educating residents, employees and the general public about the importance of the vaccine in limiting the further spread of this deadly virus. Resources from the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) were used in creating this page.
Statement on Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution from President & CEO Mohammad A. Qazi
CDC – Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines
Why Are Long-Term Care Residents & Staff Being Made First Priority for the Vaccine?
Is the Vaccine Being Mandated?
What Companies are Producing the Vaccine?
What is an mRNA Vaccine?
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Is the Vaccine Effective?
What Should Be Expected When Receiving the Vaccine?
When and For How Long Will the Vaccine Provide Protection?
It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have previously had COVID-19?
Will the Use of Masks Remain Necessary?
Where Should I Look for Accurate Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine?
What’s Next?
Facility Visitation Criteria
In the state of Michigan, before a facility can allow indoor visitation, it must meet the following criteria:
Special Cases
In certain special situations, request for indoor visitation is not restricted by the above criteria.
Visitation Order Special Cases
For these visits , please contact the facility for further visitation guidance.
VISITORS - Important Testing Information
Pursuant to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Order, testing of ALL visitors is required if the facility is located in a county where the current Risk Level is C or D on the MI Safe Start Map. At the time the visit appointment is made, our facility will notify the visitor of the current visitor testing requirements based on county risk level and facility testing capabilities. When visitor testing is required:
VISITORS – Visitation Procedural Guidelines
If our facility meets the above visitation criteria and is permitted to allow indoor visitation, the facility and its visitors must comply with several procedural guidelines from MDHHS. The pertinent guidelines are as follows:
VISITORS - During Your Visit
RESIDENTS - Criteria For Visitation
REMEMBER, this is a stressful time! Everyone is doing their best to manage. Please be mindful of our residents, associates and other visitors to the building. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Our facility is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.
This facility endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.
Visitation and Family Communications Efforts
As of March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers – ours included – have been restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The facility has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.
Screening Efforts
All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.
Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.
Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.
Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission
The facility has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:
Reminding those in our facility that they must:
How has The Laurels worked to stop the potential spread of COVID-19?
What happens if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?
Will the facility update me on the status of my loved one during visitation restrictions?
How can I stay in contact with my loved one during visitation restrictions?
Why hasn't the facility tested my loved one for COVID-19?
Does The Laurels have PPE?
Why are skilled nursing facilities like The Laurels continually in the news?
How can I stay informed of what is happening at the facility?
At The Laurels, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our guests and our dedicated associates who care for them. We are doing everything in our power to keep your loved ones safe and healthy during this crisis.
Connect with Your Loved One!
LETTER - From CEO M Qazi - 3-15-2020
LETTER - Laurel to Hospital Partners Clarification of Admit Re-Admit Protocol - 4-7-2020
LETTER - The Laurels - Family Communications - 5-8-2020
Additional Resources
#CareNotCOVID - Share a message of support to our nursing home and assisted living residents
How to Protect Yourself and Others
LARA Health Care Facility Complaint Form
Medicare Scam Alert - CMS warning to Medicare beneficiaries
Holiday Resources
LETTER – Family Communications – Holiday Events – 11-11-2020
American Health Care Association COVID-19 Page
Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Information
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Page
Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page
Just The Facts: What Caused COVID-19 Outbreak in Nursing Homes?
New York Times COVID-19 Tracker
Health Care Association of Michigan COVID-19 Page
June 15 MDHHS Emergency Order on Skilled Nursing Facility Testing
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page
Thank our "Health Care Heroes"!
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Donations
Donations don't have to be big to be meaningful! Please consider a donation to our facility, a healthcare worker you know, your local hospital, public health department or other skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
We will accept:
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